Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Tips on How to Get the Most off a Budget Car Rental

Budget car rentals are a traveler’s savior from being stranded in one place and also from expensive taxi rides, but with today’s competitive market, I wouldn’t be surprised that by trying to rent a car you end up renting a lawnmower instead.Well maybe not a lawnmower, but sometimes, well most of the time, the people that assist you in car rentals just don’t have your best interest in mind.This means you may end up paying a truckload of money for a pool of frustrations. To avoid this here are a few tips to get the budget out of Budget car rental.

1. If you’re not choosy with a budget car rental, try to get a budget car rental through sites that let you rent cars at your own price. These firms will try to get the best deal for the car that you can get and might just toss in unlimited mileage and upgrades, all of that without spending an extra dime over budget.

2. Look for package deals, fly-drive-stay, or fly-drive.Most of these packages offer great discounts for rentals, but don’t do it with an airline because airlines, although convenient, aren’t really the more economic way to go.Their budget car rental prices are hardly budget, and they tend to be higher than those of outside firms.

3. Use the internet to reserve a rental car. Ah, the internet, what other good does it provide?Yes there are budget car rentals on the internet that can give you a better bargain. Some budget car rental sites even go as far as internet only discounts. Aside from that you can easily get upgrades, and depending on the season, at least one rental company is bound to have a special offer that can help you save money.In addition, you can rent a car in the comfort of your own home.Beat that!

4. Ask for discounts that can be applicable to you.Remember, even when you’ve scored the best deal, there is still that one last ditch of a possibility that one of your credit cards support the company and provide discounts or that your frequent flyer program or military service can put that budget in budget car rental.It’s along shot but its worth a try.

5. Most budget car rentals are low on maintenance so when you rent a car, check all sides for damage, and I mean every side and every nook and cranny of that car.Make sure to inform the renter of these so you won’t have to pay for damages once you return the car.In addition, try to check out all the accessories, wipers, radio, brakes, seatbelts, etc. to familiarize yourself with them, and also to check to make sure they work.Like the previous tip, you might be charged for this if you don’t inform them.

6. Now we pass the subject of insurance.Sometimes your own car insurance covers car rentals, so take a look at your policy you buy insurance from the rental company. Budget car rental insurance doesn’t cost much, but if you already have one why buy another? Car rental insurance is always required when you rent a car.

7. Another money saving tip is to pick up your car early in the morning, at the time near when the location is just opening.This is because at this time most of the budget car rentals haven’t been returned yet, and you may get an upgrade for a lower price.

These are valuable tips to keep in mind, especially with gas prices as high as they are because the price of car rentals can go up due to the high gas prices.This means the car rental companies may increase the prices of options that may come with the rental.Therefore, you should do your research before you make your car rental reservation.